Assistant Professor of Theater

The Department of Theater at St. Olaf College invites applications for a dynamic, full-time, tenure track generalist in Theater at the Assistant or Associate Professor level to begin in August 2021. The candidate must hold a PhD in Theater, demonstrate experience in undergraduate teaching in the field, and be prepared to teach a broad range of courses from beginning to advanced levels. 

Demonstrated experience and success in directing theater productions, including musicals, is essential. The candidate will display an ongoing commitment to quality and productivity in their professional scholarly and/or artistic work. Department leadership experience is preferred. Evidence of effective collaborative work in an undergraduate teaching and performance environment is expected.

The department is particularly interested in applicants who can and will advance the College's goals for diversity, equity and inclusion. We request that in the letter of application, candidates address their potential to contribute to the St. Olaf community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups in accordance with our equity goals.

The normal teaching load is six courses per year. Regular teaching responsibilities may include Introduction to Theater, Acting, Directing, Theater History, Text and Performance and an upper level seminar in an area of expertise. The candidate will generally teach five courses and direct one production annually. There are also opportunities to teach interdisciplinary courses such as Arts Management, Musical Theater, Theater in London, The Arts and Literature of Australia and New Zealand, the last two being courses taught off-campus. Faculty members participate fully in department and college activities, including serving on committees and advising students after the first year of employment. We expect all faculty members to contribute leadership for our department and its programs.

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of teaching excellence
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Graduate transcripts (official or unofficial)
• The contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship (St. Olaf solicits letters directly after an initial round of screening.)

Review of applications will begin on December 7, and will continue until the position is filled. Finalist interviews are expected in February 2021. 

Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Dr. K.P. Wilson, Search Committee Chair, at tt2021theater@stolaf.edu. Applicants who need assistance with the online application process should call 507-786-3356.

The Department of Theater offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater, and teaching licensure in Theater (K-12). The department is fully accredited with the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST). More information about the Theater Department can be found at http://wp.stolaf.edu/theater.

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff employees. It is located in Northfield, Minnesota, about 45 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul with their rich and diverse cultural resources. The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community.

St. Olaf College is proud to be:

• Included in multiple editions of Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College
• Ranked #1 among baccalaureate colleges in the number of students who study abroad
• One of the top producers of Fulbright fellows among liberal arts colleges
• One of three small liberal arts colleges that offer fully-accredited majors in art, dance, music and theater
• Ranked #20 for best undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report, 2018

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

St. Olaf College is an equal employment opportunity and voluntary affirmative action employer.  The College is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.  With regard to its hiring and employment practices, the College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status including race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.